Health care industry

Japanese Management: Implications for Healthcare Administration

Article Abstract:

Since Japanese productivity is world-successful from many standpoints, United States business is observing their methods. The technical aspects of theory Z and quality circles are examined by United States commercial establishments, non-profit companies and public agencies. Health care managers, in particular, evince much interest in these alternative ideas to ascertain if Japanese theories are easily transferred to the United States' cultural setting. A major difference between Japanese and United States companies is organizational philosophy: United States practices are bureaucratically centered, Japanese theories indicate wholistic concern for employees. One difficulty in switching Japanese operations to United States health care management regards the time-honored personnel hierarchy policy based on education and degrees, which is very resistant to change. Close scrutiny of the Z theory discloses that team development is a strong incentive which commits workers to company loyalty and allegiance.

Hospitals and Business: A Viable Partnership for Innovation in Healthcare Delivery

Article Abstract:

Physicians have the control over a patient's hospital course; admission and discharge periods and diagnostic and therapeutic stages. From these medical orders, the hospital cost-coefficient emerges and revenues must be ample enough to ensure quality health care. To maintain optimum professional programs, cost-effective business procedures for provider, consumer and purchaser categories must be established. Health care systems now total ten per cent of the gross national product, increasing from forty billion to 280 billion dollars since 1967, with Medicare expenditures reaching seventy-five billion dollars and rising rapidly. Competitive practices such as HMOs and medical/surgical centers will compel hospital administrations and business management to form workable coalitions to seek innovations and incentives to cost containment. A notation from the authors indicates that principal sections of this article were initially delivered at midwestern hospitals and business seminars.

A Proposal to Industrial Employers and Healthcare Providers: Unite and Prosper

Article Abstract:

Health insurance premiums for employees increased at three times the rate that wages did between 1966 and 1976. Self- funded health insurance plans have resulted in substantial savings for companies utilizing such plans. Some employers offer cash incentives to employees who incur no medical bills. Another alternative to high insurance premiums is for industry and a hospital to jointly sponsor an HMO. The industrial employer provides the majority of the HMO enrollees, while the hospital provides medical personnel and services as well as its own employees for additional members.